lydgate:
A new -- or for that matter, long-standing -- HIV diagnosis obviously has enormous impact on a person's state of mind. More so, it would seem, than almost any other medical diagnosis. I know that issues of anxiety, depression, panic, feelings of guilt and shame... these are all covered and discussed in the Living With HIV forum. But I was wondering if it was an important and large enough sub-theme to deserve/merit its own separate forum. Doing so would "highlight" mental health issues and someone looking for information or support on how to deal with anxiety, say, could go straight to that forum. Or would that be overkill, multiplying categories and forums? (One could similarly argue for separate forums on Serodiscordant Couples, Dating and Disclosure, Fatigue, etc etc.) What do people think? And the Moderators?

lydgate

cubbybear:
I think you get all the mental health support you need from the living with forum. I know the living with forum has saved me from many a dark moment in my life over the last 8 months. I don't think it needs it's own forum though, but that's just my 2 cents.

Living with HIV.. it encompasses every aspect, including our mental well being.

allopathicholistic:

--- Quote from: lydgate on June 15, 2006, 07:28:12 PM ---Or would that be overkill, multiplying categories and forums? (One could similarly argue for separate forums on Serodiscordant Couples, Dating and Disclosure, Fatigue, etc etc.) What do people think? --- End quote ---

Hmmmm, well, posts often have overlap e.g. "Too Fatigued to Date" or "Neg in +\- Couple Wants to Disclose to Parents"

I agree with cubby bear

Robert:
hi...

I'm not newly diagnosed but depression has certainly become a new and wholly unexpected part of my life. I deal with it, like Matt (cubby) said in just opening up the "Living" section. It always gives me a boost.

By the way, you're from CAnada, right? I hope you're planning on coming to Toronto in August. The dates are 18-21 although many people are showing up on the 16 and returning on the 22. There is a seperate Forum section on the AMG meeting. That should answer all your questions.

Hope you can make it. Would love to see you.

robert

Matty the Damned:
I have to agree with Papa Bear (cubbybear) and the others. I think the Living With HIV forum accomodates our mental health needs more than admirably.